Tips for Encouraging Your Kid to Play Sports
















It's not that surprising when kids don't want to get out and participate in organized sports. With television, video games, Internet, cellphones, and friends, why would any child really want to leave the house? However, encouraging your child to play sports can help your child become more physically and emotionally healthy. Whether you are a parent that played sports as a child or you've never touched a ball in your life, these tips will help you encourage your child to try a sport and hopefully get hooked.

Have a Rule
Both of my children play sports and from talking to other parents I have discovered that I was not the only parent that introduced "the rule". Each year I have my children pick at least one new activity to try and they have to finish it. If they don't like it at the end, they can skip doing it the next year, but they have to try something. If you put this rule into effect in your house, you may find that the first sport your child picks, they love and they are hooked for years, like my daughter with both basketball and soccer. However you also may have to try several sports, both team-oriented and individual. My son tried football and hated it, but he finished the season. He has also tried basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, and soccer. By age eight he decided soccer was his sport and that is all he plays now.

Being active is important, but not everyone likes the same things so give your child an opportunity to try different sports. The earlier you institute this "rule" the easier it is; my mother didn't implement this rule until I was about 12, but it still worked that late in my childhood.

Budget for Sports Like any Other Activity
Many parents waste a lot of money year after year--going out to eat, buying the latest movies and video games, and buying lots of toys and gadgets for the family. However, often when it comes time to sign up for sports they think it is too expensive.

We wanted our kids to learn to live an active lifestyle so we budgeted for each child to be able to participate in up to three activities per year. Between fees, uniforms, and equipment, one sport can easily cost you between $200-$300 per season. However, if you budget your money right you will realize that it's money well spent. My daughter tried dance on two different occasions, but ultimately, she decided dance wasn't for her. A few hundred dollars to keep her busy, active, and healthy doesn't count as a waste of money in my book!

Lead by Example--Get Involved and Get Active
If kids see their parents being active and involved they may be more encouraged to play sports. Offer to help at practices and take the time to practice with your child at home. Attend their games and practices to show your support. Always keep your comments and feedback positive after games. If your child is doing something wrong, let the coach help them improve, but always offer your encouragement. Playing sports shouldn't add stress to your child's life. For them, sports should be an outlet to be active, engage with teammates, learn new skills and practice good sportsmanship.

By encouraging your child to play sports you are helping more than their physical well being--you're also providing them with experiences that will help them become healthy adults, long after youth sports are over. All of your support--attending games, cheering them on, staying focused on the positive--will really help your child feel like a little champion.

Content by Chrissie Klinger .